AARON Titherington is a cheerful, happy-go-lucky seven-year-old who loves school and likes nothing better than a game of football with his friends.

But there is something extra special about Aaron, of Brown Street West, Colne, as he tackles and races round the pitch in a wheelchair.

Aaron was diagnosed as suffering from muscular atrophy when he was just 15 months old - a disease which attacks the nerves at the base of the spine, giving him only limited movement. Recently his condition has deteriorated and friends and supporters are trying to raise £7,500 for the vital turbo-powered wheelchair he now needs to help him get around.

Among the fundraisers are the members of the Barnoldswick and Earby Round Table, who presented Aaron with a £1,000 donation towards his new chair at a special ceremony at his school - Lord Street County Primary, Colne.

His mother, Julie, said: "When we learned that Aaron had muscular atrophy we were told his condition would deteriorate.

"But they also said he would never be able to hold a pencil or a cup and he can do those things.

"He is getting weaker. The doctors are frightened that his chest muscles will go and say that if this happens he may contract pneumonia and then they don't know what will happen.

"He loves school and the other children just treat him as Aaron rather than someone in a wheelchair.

"He plays football with them and they always fight to have him on their team because he gets the ball underneath the chair and always wins.

Anyone who can help with fundraising can contact Mrs Titherington on 01282 865114.

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